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Nongoma [from Ngome ('the mother of songs')] was
established in 1888 on the boundary between two warring
Zulu factions - the uSuthu and Mandlakazi - in the hope
that it would engender peace in the area. Needless
to say one of the factions eventually burned it to the
ground. Today, it is a busy trading village.
Near
the town is the Ntendeka Wilderness Area. Adjacent to
the area is the Ngome State Forest, a series of
precipitous cliffs ('Ntendeka') that afford marvellous
panoramic views of the countryside. There are more than
180 tree and shrub species and the whole area is one of
peace and tranquillity. There are hiking trails and
picnic spots.
The
forest was used by the chief Mzilikazi who had fallen
out of favour with King Shaka to hide with his
supporters. Shaka eventually forced them out and they
moved to what became the Transvaal and formed the
Matabele nation. Eventually, a few years later the
kingdom suffered disastrous defeats at the hands of the
Voortrekkers and they migrated yet again to what became
Zimbabwe.
Near
the town is the village of Babanango with a famous pub.
The name means 'there it is' from the hill overlooking
the village.
Every
year in September, in one of the palaces, the Zulu King
hosts the locally famous 
"Royal
Reed Dance", whereby Zulu maidens gather to
celebrate the preservation of womanhood. This
spectaculer ceremony is an experience that truly
embodies the Zulu Tradition and Heritage. It is a must
see for any traveller...click
here for more info
Nongoma
is renowned for it's surrounding Royal Palaces, filled
with history and culture, they have become a major
tourist attraction in South Africa.
There
are also many battlefields where the history of this
country can be re-lived. These being the KwaNdunu,
eMsebe, eSokosoko and Otshanini.
Moreover in the nearby
Nongoma forest (click
here for more), one can visit King Cetshwayo's
Ngenesheni Hideout while enjoying the natural beauty of
the plant and bird life in the forest.
Best
of all the major attraction is our ever friendly warm
South African weather, which ensures complete enjoyment
of all the sights and sounds of Nongoma.
So
join us at Nongoma Lodge and let the award winning
Iscathamiya (zulu a'capella) and Maskandi Groups delight
you with dance and song that is truly African. |
